Scientists want quick action from state on stem cells
Researchers tired of lagging behind Connecticut
Massachusetts has a reputation for being in the vanguard of biotechnology and health care progressivism, but it is losing ground quickly to other states in the field of stem-cell research and developing stem-cell therapies.
If Massachusetts doesn't step up soon, it could lose the race entirely, said Eric Overström, a professor and head of the department of biology and biotechnology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
"I think the opportunity is now," said Overström. "We need to act and act smartly, and we need to do it soon. Other states are moving forward, and Massachusetts in this area is losing ground nationally and internationally."
Behind the times
While Massachusetts lawmakers squabbled over proposed funding, in November Connecticut became the first state in the union to distribute state funds for stem cell research, allocating approximately $20 million to stem cell researchers out of a $100 million fund. The University of Connecticut also pledged to spend $35 million renovating its existing stem cell research institute.
Envy of Connecticut's funding program was evident at StemConn, a stem cell conference that brought more than 600 scientists to Hartford, Conn., last week. The Massachusetts crowd was not shy about pointing out how far behind Massachusetts is when compared to its southern neighbor.
"The availability of funding for this type of science makes it much more difficult," said M. William Lensch, of Children's Hospital in Boston. Lensch said the state needed to step up and provide money for basic research. If there were grants, he said, he would "certainly apply for one."
Lensch is one of five members of Connecticut's research advisory committee - which decides how to spend the state research dollars - that hails from Massachusetts.
In March, trustees of the University of Massachusetts approved a $66 million project that would create the Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine. The program is dependent upon state funding, however.
Given the economic realities of the state, Overström said the likelihood of that much money being allocated for stem cell research seems remote.
"Certainly the fact that the state and the new legislature and governor have made a commitment to moving forward is encouraging, but...given the current economic state, this will be challenging," Overström said.
Rather than investing in new infrastructure, what Overström called "bricks and mortar" investment, he said he would rather see the state solicit grant and funding proposals from a broad spectrum of private, institutional and public agencies.
"We need to solicit proposals broadly, from institutes and from the corporate sector," Overström said. "There's an opportunity here for the many small biotech companies in Massachusetts to make big contributions to the growth of the Commonwealth. In this early stage, the money is better spent developing intellectual ability and support of research itself."
Overström said quick action is needed to retain Massachusetts' leadership in the biotechnology market.
"Frankly, unless the state moves within the next short period of time, the horse will have left the barn, and it will be difficult to sustain what has been a leadership position," he said. "And if we're a little late out of the barn, we ought to distinguish our program by establishing one that supports the initiative more broadly, from research all the way to bedside therapeutic delivery."
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